Persuasive Techniques
We use persuasive language to convince others to agree with our facts, share our
values, accept our argument and conclusions, and adopt our way of thinking. There
are many different ways to persuade people. Here are some of the more common:
Appeals: One persuasive technique is appealing to the audience,s:
o Emotions
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
r
o
Fears
Desire to seem intelligent
Need to protect their family
Desire to fit in, to be accepted, to be loved
Desire to be an individual
Desire to follow a tradition
Desire to be wealthy or save money
Desire to be healthy
Desire to look good
Desire to protect animals and the environment
Pride in our country
Often other persuasive techniques can also involve an appeal.
Evidence: Using evidence is very persuasive as it makes the reader see the author as
knowledgeable and the argument as more logical or reliable.
Fxxi*g*ie;: Statistics, expert opinions, research findings and anecdotal evidence.
Attacks: Attacks on opposing views, or the people who hold them can persuade the
audience by portraying views and beliefs which are contrary to the author's
conterition as foolish, dangerous, uncaring or deceitful. Using humor to make fun
of these views can be particularly persuasive. Note: can offend or alienate
audience if overdone.
[,'r*r':i:ri*; 'Town Hall? clown Hallif we consider the Mayor's latest comments.'
fnclusive and Exclusive Language: Inclusive language such as 'we','our,,,us, and
exclusive language such as 'them' can persuade by including the reader, or by
creating a sense of solidarity or a sense of responsibility.
*xnni:i.:i"*l 'People like you and me don't want to see this happen'
Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical questions are questions that do not require and
answer and are asked for effect only. They engage the audience and encourage
them to consider the issue and accept the author's answer, or imply that the
answer is so obvious that anyone who disagrees is foolish.
f;:i*rn*i*: Do we want our children growing up in a world where they are
threatened with violence on every street corner?
Cause and effect: arguments may claim there is a cause and effect relationship when
really there is just a relationship and other factors should be considered.
I
Connotations: The connotation is the emotional meaning associated with the word.
Persuasive authors often choose their words carefully so that the connotation
suits their purpose.
f,x*mp$* {1} 'Kill' and 'Slaughter' both mean the same thing, but the word
'slaughter' has a different connotation to 'kill', as it causes the audience to
imagine that the act was particularly horrific.
ilx*r**** fff.]'Health issue' vs'health crisis'
*x*mp** {3} 'Terrorist'vs 'freedom fighter'
.
Analogy: Analogy is a form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in
order to make a particular point.
ilxarnyr0*: School is like a prison and students are like prisoners.
Generalisations: Make sweeping statements about a whole group, based on only
one or two members of that group. These can be persuasive if the audience
believes the generalization is appropriate, but can undermine argument if they
do not.
Hxnrnp$*; A store manager might see one or two teenagers shoplifting, and write
a letter to the editor claiming all teenagers steal and can't be trusted.
Humor: Humor, such as puns, irony, sarcasm, satire and jokes can be persuasive by
dismissing opposing views, providing a more engaging and friendly tone, and
sway an audience by having them enter into the joke.
ffxa*:pls: 'Totally Artraged' as a pun on 'Totally Outraged' when talking about
controversial art.
Jargon: By using specialised terms, the author can persuade the audience that they
are an expert.
ilx*n:p*$*r When announcing a recession whilst trying to save face a politician may
call it 'period of economic adjustmen{ or'interruption of economic expansion'.
Formal Language: Formal language can make the author sound knowledgeable while
removing emotion from the issue. This can make the argument sound reasonable
and rational, and the contention seem balanced.
*x*n:p9*: 'lf we consider the situation in emergency wards, with increasingly low
staff retention rates, there are concerns about the capacity of hospitals to
maintain adequate doctor to patient ratios.'
Colloquial language: Colloquial language is informal, everyday, conversational
language that includes down to earth views and is seductive because it appears
friendly, and can make the audience feel that the author is on the same
wavelength as them.
f;xarnp'*!*; "That totally grassed me out" vs. "That really disgusted me."
--
Repetition: By repeating letters, words and phrases the author can reinforce an
argument and ensure that the point of view being made stays in an audience's
mind.
ftx;tr.mpi*: Now is the time to make real the promises of democra cy. Now is the
time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of
racialjustice. Nouz is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial
injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make iustice a
reality for all of God's children.
Hyperbole: The use of hyperbole emphasizes points by exaggerating. lt can be used
to mock opposing opinions, as a shock tactics technique, or an appeal to fears.
fxar:-*pi* {3i Those who support this ridiculous idea would have us believe that it
will dramatically improve the quality of life for modern living. Of course it willl
And it will probably bring about world pesce, stop pollution, ond make the troms
run on time!
Sx*rnpF* i?! Every weekend the city is overrun by beggars
Alliteration and Assonance: The repetition of initial consonant sounds {alliteration)
or vowel sounds (assonance) adds emphasis to major points and makes them
more memorable.
$xx rreph* : Syd ney's slippery slide (alliteration )
The elite meet and greet {assonance)
lmagery and Figurative Language: use of figurative language, metaphor and simile
can paint a word picture for audience, making the point visually and by
comparison, or appeal to emotions. They can also make the author appear
sophisticated or well spoken.
&x*ntpie {l"j Australia is a fabric woven of many colors (metaphor)
f;xaa"*-*i* i3] Citizenship was thrown around like confetti (simile)
H:;*n:::i*: l;il Bodies were piled up in makeshift roadside graves and in gutters
(imagery)
lmages: lmages can also be used to persuade the reader, either independently or
used with an article. Consider:
.i
fs:{"ntssrt: What is the issue?
{,*nt*nt:
What is in the image? What is in the foreground and the
background? What symbols or text is used? What colors are used?
T*r$ei; Who/ what is the visual directed at?
It4**tsag*: What is the artist's message or contention? How does the content
of the image persuade the reader to accept this contention?
\
TONE
I
Passionate
Equitable (iust
I
Mocking
Assured
r
fatu)
Reasonable
Impenronal
I
t
I
I
I
t
I
t
{showing no emotion)
I
Cheerful
ForcefirI
Arrogant
I
I
(unpleasantly selfimportant)
Vindictive
I
I
I
t
I
I
I
I
I
I
Learred
Admiring
Bitter
Antagonistic
(opposing, hostilif)
Forgiving
Restrained
Satirical (attack
.
I
I
I
I
I
I
through ironyo
(seeking
I
ridicule)
Plaintive (expressing
I
Calm
Shocked
Decisive (conclusive)
sorrow)
t
Impartial
I
Authoritative
t
Detached (no
I
a
I
I
Appalled
Critieal
F
etwent (intense.
Insensitive
Pensive {deep in
(compiaining)
Sardonic (bittertry
Optimistic (positive)
Complaining
Neutral
Ingratiating
mocking or cynical)
Condescending
(pretending to be on
equal terms whlie
maintaining an attitude
(ungrateful)
I
matter of fact
ponderous
sarcastie
sensitive
aggressive
Querulous
involvement)
Respectful
Pleading
Sympathetic
Jovial (happy)
Apologetic
Rearonable
Indignant (anger
of
ttrought)
emotional
(not
(showing lack
interest)
str0ng)
revenge)
biased)
I
Indifferent
and
Disappointed
of superiority)
Sceptical (Doubts,
C3'nical fuessimistic
aroused by something
unjust or mean)
questions, disagrees)
view)
Chauvinistic
I
Certain
(exaggerated
Ardent (eager
passionate)
I
Wise
I
Rational (abiiity to
aggressive patriotismthat ones group is
a
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
t
I
r
Balanced
Objective (not
influenced to personal
I
t
I
prejudice or emotions)
I
Confident
Resentful (bitter,
I
angry)
I
Cautious
Tolerant
Impatient
Aloof
Angry
Outraged
.r
F'orthright
(outspokerl
straightforward)
Dogmatic (arrogan!
superior (surely!)
reason, logical)
I
or
r
Endearing
Guarded
Insulting
I
Quizzical
Controlled
Despoudent (lost all
Earnest (serious)
F acetious (intending
to be amusing)
I
r
tr'rivolous (not
serious, silly)
Persuasive
hope)
t
assertive)
Biting
Embittered {aroused
bitter feelings)
I
t
r
I
Cautious
Conserwative
Demeaning
Admonishing
(telling off)
Chiding
(subtle,
nagging)
Judgmental